Gum Recontouring

Gum recontouring procedures change the shape and appearance of gums to improve the overall look of a smile.

What is gum recontouring?

Properly proportioned healthy-looking gums can make a big difference in your smile because the shape of your gums affects the shape of your teeth. Gums contouring evens out uneven gums and restores the proper look and proportions to your gumline. Dr. Toth can comfortably remove excess tissue to fix a “gummy” smile, and can add tissue to receded gums that make teeth look too “long”.

What will Dr. Toth do to fix my “gummy smile”?

Dr. Toth uses special instruments, most commonly a laser, to trim excess gums and maybe excess bone tissue. This “sculpting” procedure is known as a gingevectomy. It will give your smile a more youthful, natural appearance, since your newly shaped gums will properly frame and showcase your teeth. The procedure will be quick and comfortable, and the laser will actually seal the gum tissue, helping you to heal faster.

What will Dr. Christopher Toth do to fix teeth that look too long, because of receding gums?

Dr. Toth will first make sure that you are completely comfortable, and you will hardly feel a thing. Then they will remove a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth and carefully graft it to your gumline. This simple procedure will make your gums a beautiful frame for your teeth, giving you a younger-looking smile.

Who is a good candidate for gum recontouring?

Anyone who has uneven gums, a “gummy” smile or receding gums with teeth that look too “long” is a good candidate for gum recontouring. “Gummy” smiles make your teeth look to small. Gum recession not only makes your smile look older, but it could lead to loose teeth and sensitivity to hot and cold.

What do gums have to do with my smile?

When you look at the perfect smile, sometimes you can’t instantly separate all the elements that make it appealing. But if you look closely, one thing that beautiful smiles have in common are correctly proportioned gums. If the gums don’t look right, something will look “off” about the smile because the shape of the gum affects the shape of the teeth. A “gummy” smile makes your teeth look short and less attractive. When the gums are pulled back and receded, teeth can look too “long”. Proper proportion, size and color in healthy gums make your smile look its best.

What can I expect from the gum recontouring procedure?

Uneven gums can be evened by taking tissue away where there is too much, and adding tissue where there is too little. First, Dr. Toth will use anesthetics, if necessary, to make sure you remain comfortable during the procedure. If the problem is a “gummy” smile, he uses special instruments, most commonly a laser, to trim excess gums and maybe excess bone tissue. To correct receding gums, Dr. Toth will remove a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth and carefully graft it to your gumline. These are quick procedures that can be completed with little or no discomfort.

What can I expect after the gum recontouring procedure?

Your gums may be tender and a little swollen for the first week following the procedure, and if so Dr. Toth will recommend an analgesic like Ibuprofen. Usually they will have you rinse your mouth with salt water or a special antibacterial mouthwash. You will do this once or twice a day for the next two weeks to prevent infection and aid the healing process.

Am I a candidate for gum recontouring procedure?

If you have a “gummy” smile that makes your teeth look short and unattractive, or if you reveal too much of your gum tissue when you smile, you are a candidate for gum recontouring.